Características epidemiológicas e obstétricas de mulheres com abortamento recorrente e fatores de risco / Epidemiological and obstetric characteristics of women with recurrent miscarriage and risk factors / Características epidemiológicas y obstétricas de mujeres con aborto espontáneo recurrente y factores de riesgo

Apesar de ser uma complicação recorrente em gestações, o abortamento pode gerar consequências bastante danosas à saúde física e mental da gestante, bem como de seu parceiro, especialmente em casos de abortamento recorrente. Este trabalho objetivou revisar as principais características epidemiológicas e fatores de risco descritos em relação ao abortamento recorrente. A respeito da metodologia, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da bibliografia, tendo como foco os trabalhos que possuíssem os descritores "aborto", "recorrente" e "epidemiologia". Os artigos selecionados foram publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2023, em português ou inglês. Em nossa pesquisa, observamos que a etiologia dos abortamentos é bastante diversa, incluindo fatores desconhecidos. É válido ressaltar que quanto maior o número de abortos espontâneos recorrentes antecedentes, maior parece ser a chance de nova perda de gestação. Não obstante, existem diferenças regionais determinantes para as etiologias e fatores de risco, sendo necessário compreender qual a causa do abortamento recorrente para que haja tratamento efetivo.

Despite being a recurrent complication in pregnancies, abortions can lead to harmful consequences for the physical and psychological health of the pregnant woman, as well as her partner's, especially in cases of recurrent miscarriage. This article aimed to review the main epidemiological characteristics and risk factors described in relation to recurrent miscarriage. About the methodology, it was developed a systematic review of pre-existing bibliography, focusing on papers that had the descriptors "abortion", "recurrent" and "epidemiology". The selected works were published between the years of 2016 and 2023, in Portuguese or English. In our research, we noticed that the etiology of miscarriages is quite diverse, including unknown factors. It is important to note that the higher the historical number of recurrent spontaneous miscarriages, the greater seems to be the chance of new pregnancy loss. However, there are regional differences that determine etiologies and risk factors. It is essential to understand what is causing the recurrent miscarriage in order to offer effective treatment.

A pesar de ser una complicación recurrente en los embarazos, el aborto puede tener consecuencias perjudiciales para la salud física y mental de la mujer embarazada, así como para su pareja, especialmente en casos de aborto recurrente. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo revisar las principales características epidemiológicas y factores de riesgo descritos en relación con el aborto recurrente. En cuanto a la metodologia, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía, centrándose en los trabajos que tenían los descriptores "aborto", "recurrente" y "epidemiología". Los artículos seleccionados se publicaron entre los años 2016 y 2023, en portugués o inglés. En nuestra investigación observamos que la etiología de los abortos es muy diversa, incluyendo factores desconocidos. Es válido destacar que a mayor número de abortos espontáneos recurrentes previos, parece aumentar la probabilidad de una nueva pérdida del embarazo. Sin embargo, existen diferencias regionales determinantes en las etiologías y factores de riesgo, siendo necesario comprender la causa del aborto recurrente para un tratamiento efectivo.

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo / Execution of public expenditure by financing source in the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate / Execução de despesas públicas por fonte de financiamento na Diretoria da Rede de Saúde de Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11)=0.77; p < 0,001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11)=0.83; p < 0,001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11)=0.74; p < 0,001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency.

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of Leptospira spp. seropositive horses in the Northeast region of Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis of economic and public health importance, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Horses are deemed important in its transmission chain due to their proximity to humans, and because the species is often asymptomatic, making these animals potential silent reservoirs. In this context, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositive horses for Leptospira spp., and to identify the presence of Leptospira spp. serogroups and antibody titers, the occurrence of areas with higher density of infection cases and demographic characteristics associated with seropositivity in the states of Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE), in the Northeast region of Brazil, during rainy (May and June) and dry (October and November) seasons from 2017 to 2019. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 1152 equine serum samples from 225 municipalities were analyzed. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 23.9 % (95 % CI= 21.4 - 26.3 %) of the samples in the three-year period, with a frequency of 30.4 % (95 % CI= 26.7 - 34.2 %) during the rainy period (with greater emphasis on the Ballum serogroup) and 17.4 % (95 % CI= 14.3 - 20.5 %) in the dry period (with greater emphasis on the Sejroe serogroup). Age of horses ≥ 6 years (6-10 years, 11-15 years and ≥ 16 years), rainy season, and animal belonging to Pernambuco state were factors with higher seropositivities. Regarding spatial distribution, a higher percentage of seropositive animals was observed in Pernambuco (P < 0.05), in interstate border areas, and large urban centers, with a spatial cluster detected in the dry season of 2018 with relative risk of 2.8 (P = 0.049) times higher in municipalities within the cluster. It is suggested that measures for controlling rodents and contact with wild animals in equine farming, both in rainy and dry periods, combined with care regarding the use of pastures shared with cattle and the adoption of immunoprophylaxis are important in preventing and controlling leptospirosis in horses in the Northeast region of Brazil.

A comprehensive study of source apportionment, spatial distribution, and health risks assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soils of a semi-arid mining region in Matehuala, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the contamination level, spatial distribution, pollution sources, potential ecological risks, and human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid)s (i.e., arsenic (As), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in surface soils within the mining region of Matehuala, located in central Mexico. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives are to estimate the contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s, identify pollution sources, assess potential ecological risks, and evaluate human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) contamination. METHODS: Soil samples from the study area were analysed using various indices including Igeo, Cf, PLI, mCd, EF, and PERI to evaluate contamination levels. Source apportionment of heavy metal(loid)s was conducted using the APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models. Spatial distribution patterns were determined using the most efficient interpolation technique among five different approaches. The total carcinogenic risk index (TCR) and total non-carcinogenic index (THI) were used in this study to assess the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards posed by heavy metal(loid)s in surface soil to human health. RESULTS: The study reveals a high contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soil, posing considerable ecological risks. As was identified as a priority metal for regulatory control measures. Mining and smelting activities were identified as the primary factors influencing heavy metal(loid) distributions. Based on spatial distribution mapping, concentrations were higher in the northern, western, and central regions of the study area. As and Fe were found to pose considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively. Health risk evaluation indicated significant levels of carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, with higher risks for children. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the urgent need for monitoring heavy metal(loid) contamination in Matehuala's soils, particularly in regions experiencing strong economic growth, to mitigate potential human health and ecological risks associated with heavy metal(loid) pollution.

Saps1-3 Antigens in Candida albicans: Differential Modulation Following Exposure to Soluble Proteins, Mammalian Cells, and Infection in Mice.

The secreted aspartic peptidases (Saps) of Candida albicans play crucial roles in various steps of fungal-host interactions. Using a flow cytometry approach, this study investigated the expression of Saps1-3 antigens after (i) incubation with soluble proteins, (ii) interaction with mammalian cells, and (iii) infection in immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Supplementation strategies involving increasing concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) added to yeast carbon base (YCB) medium as the sole nitrogenous source revealed a positive and significant correlation between BSA concentration and both the growth rate and the percentage of fluorescent cells (%FC) labeled with anti-Saps1-3 antibodies. Supplementing the YCB medium with various soluble proteins significantly modulated the expression of Saps1-3 antigens in C. albicans. Specifically, immunoglobulin G, gelatin, and total bovine/human sera significantly reduced the %FC, while laminin, human serum albumin, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and mucin considerably increased the %FC compared to BSA. Furthermore, co-cultivating C. albicans yeasts with either live epithelial or macrophage cells induced the expression of Saps1-3 antigens in 78% (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] = 152.1) and 82.7% (MFI = 178.2) of the yeast cells, respectively, compared to BSA, which resulted in 29.3% fluorescent cells (MFI = 50.9). Lastly, the yeasts recovered from the kidneys of infected immunosuppressed mice demonstrated a 4.8-fold increase in the production of Saps1-3 antigens (MFI = 246.6) compared to BSA, with 95.5% of yeasts labeled with anti-Saps1-3 antibodies. Altogether, these results demonstrated the positive modulation of Saps' expression in C. albicans by various key host proteinaceous components, as well as by in vitro and in vivo host challenges.

Agave Wilt Susceptibility by Reduction of Free Hexoses in Root Tissue of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul Commercial Plants in the Fructan Accumulation Process.

Agave tequilana stems store fructan polymers, the main carbon source for tequila production. This crop takes six or more years for industrial maturity. In conducive conditions, agave wilt disease increases the incidence of dead plants after the fourth year. Plant susceptibility induced for limited photosynthates for defense is recognized in many crops and is known as "sink-induced loss of resistance". To establish whether A. tequilana is more prone to agave wilt as it ages, because the reduction of water-soluble carbohydrates in roots, as a consequence of greater assembly of highly polymerized fructans, were quantified roots sucrose, fructose, and glucose, as well as fructans in stems of agave plants of different ages. The damage induced by inoculation with Fusarium solani or F. oxysporum in the roots or xylem bundles, respectively, was recorded. As the agave plant accumulated fructans in the stem as the main sink, the amount of these hexoses diminished in the roots of older plants, and root rot severity increased when plants were inoculated with F. solani, as evidence of more susceptibility. This knowledge could help to structure disease management that reduces the dispersion of agave wilt, dead plants, and economic losses at the end of agave's long crop cycle.

Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) in a colony of Triatoma sherlocki Papa et al. 2002 (Reduviidae: Triatominae) present in a subsistence pig farm in Northeast Brazil.

Triatomines of the species Triatoma sherlocki are considered sylvatic; however, household invasion appears imminent, potentially carrying Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to report the first occurrence of a colony of T. sherlocki infected by T. cruzi in a subsistence pig farm. Triatomines collected underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for T. cruzi detection and determination of blood meal source. The 19 triatomines collected in the pig farm were of the species T. sherlocki, comprising 26.3% nymphs (5/19), 52.6% males (10/19) and 21.1% females (4/19). PCR showed that 15.8% (3/19) of triatomines were infected by T. cruzi. The only detected blood meal source in triatomines (n = 11) was the domestic mammal Sus scrofa, commonly known as domestic pig, indicating that T. sherlocki is an opportunist, feeding on available vertebrates in the environment, including domestic animals such as pigs. These results highlight the possibility of domiciliation of the species T. sherlocki and its potential role in bridging the transmission of T. cruzi between sylvatic and domestic environments.

Assessment of Human Health Risk Indices Due to Metal Contamination in the Surface Water of the Negro River Sub-Basin, Áncash.

The accelerated loss of glacial cover in the Cordillera Blanca in Áncash, Peru, exposes the underlying rocks with high concentrations of sulfides from the Chicama Formation to oxidation and leaching processes, generating acid rock drainage (ARD) in glacial and periglacial areas. These are transported by surface runoff, contaminating the surface water with high concentrations of metals and sulfates, as well as increasing the acidity, which poses a risk to human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, the risk indices for human health due to metal contamination were evaluated at 19 surface water sampling points distributed in the Río Negro sub-basin. Hydrochemical analyses revealed average metal concentrations in the following order: Fe (28.597 mg/L), Al (3.832 mg/L), Mn (1.085 mg/L), Zn (0.234 mg/L), Ni (0.085 mg/L), Co (0.053 mg/L), Li (0.036 mg/L), Cu (0.005 mg/L), and Pb (0.002 mg/L). The risk was determined by calculating the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and the Hazard Index (HI). The average HPI value was 360.959, indicating a high level of contamination (HPI ≥ 150). The human health risk assessment indicated that adverse effects caused by iron, lithium, and cobalt in children and adults should be considered. Through the use of Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis, it was identified that SO42-, Fe, S, Al, Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Li originate from natural sources, associated with the generation of ARD in glacial and periglacial areas.

Molecular Detection of Leishmania spp. and Blood Source of Female Sand Flies in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce and Municipality of Timóteo, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by the bite female sand fly. The present work is characterized as a descriptive study in two areas: a forest area located in the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, and another urban area located in the municipality of Timóteo-MG, with the objective of identifying the presence of Leishmania spp. and the blood source of the collected female sand flies. Part of the females were obtained from the Parque Estadual do Rio Doce, and part was collected using 19 ligth traps distributed in residences of Timóteo. For molecular studies of Leishmania spp. DNA, the ITS1 gene was used, and in the search for blood source, the CytB gene was used and positive samples were sequenced. The study demonstrated that there are at least three species of Leishmania circulating in the study areas: Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, and Leishmania (V.) guyanensis. Nyssomyia whitmani was the predominant sand fly species in the urban area of Timóteo with a positive diagnosis for the presence of Leishmania braziliensis DNA. We found the presence of blood from Gallus gallus (Chicken) and Sus scrofa (Pig) in sand flies. The present study demonstrates that Leishmania braziliensis is the main agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the study area, with the effective participation of Nyssomyia whitmani as the vector and both Gallus gallus and Sus scrofa acting as a food source for female sand flies, and helping maintaining the sand fly life.

Source apportionment of ambient pollution levels in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

In this study, the relative contributions of main emission sources to the typical ambient concentrations of key pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, were investigated. A previous urban emissions inventory for mobile sources was expanded to include other transportation means and main industrial activities using the EMEP/EEA methodology to achieve this objective. The WRF/CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system was used to simulate the annual spatiotemporal distribution of air pollution in the city. According to the model, NO2 concentrations exceed the yearly value and 1-h Ecuadorian standards (40 and 200 µg/m3) in 1 % and 6 % of the cells of the modeling domain, respectively. These hotspots related to local sources were located in the northwest center of the city. The contributions of the manufacturing sector, thermal power plants, ports, airports, and road traffic were assessed individually, and the results indicated that air quality in the study area was strongly dominated by road traffic. The contributions of NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 at the city level reached 76 %, 96 %, 90 %, and 92 % of the annual mean, respectively. In the case of SO2, the manufacturing sector made the most significant contribution (75 %), followed by thermal power plants (16 %). Furthermore, an analysis at 14 specific locations across Guayaquil identified spatial variations that may support the design and development of an air quality monitoring network for the city.

The trade-off between grain weight and grain number in wheat is explained by the overlapping of the key phases determining these major yield components.

Enhancing grain yield is a primary goal in the cultivation of major staple crops, including wheat. Recent research has focused on identifying the physiological and molecular factors that influence grain weight, a critical determinant of crop yield. However, a bottleneck has arisen due to the trade-off between grain weight and grain number, whose underlying causes remain elusive. In a novel approach, a wheat expansin gene, TaExpA6, known for its expression in root tissues, was engineered to express in the grains of the spring wheat cultivar Fielder. This modification led to increases in both grain weight and yield without adversely affecting grain number. Conversely, a triple mutant line targeting the gene TaGW2, a known negative regulator of grain weight, resulted in increased grain weight but decreased grain number, potentially offsetting yield gains. This study aimed to evaluate the two aforementioned modified wheat genotypes (TaExpA6 and TaGW2) alongside their respective wild-type counterparts. Conducted in southern Chile, the study employed a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, under well-managed field conditions. The primary metrics assessed were grain yield, grain number, and average grain weight per spike, along with detailed measurements of grain weight and dimensions across the spike, ovary weight at pollination (Waddington's scale 10), and post-anthesis expression levels of TaExpA6 and TaGW2. Results indicated that both the TaExpA6 and the triple mutant lines achieved significantly higher average grain weights compared to their respective wild types. Notably, the TaExpA6 line did not exhibit a reduction in grain number, thereby enhancing grain yield per spike. By contrast, the triple mutant line showed a reduced grain number per spike, with no significant change in overall yield. TaExpA6 expression peaked at 10 days after anthesis (DAA), and its effect on grain weight over the WT became apparent after 15 DAA. In contrast, TaGW2 gene disruption in the triple mutant line increased ovary size at anthesis, leading to improved grain weight above the WT from the onset of grain filling. These findings suggest that the trade-off between grain weight and number could be attributed to the overlapping of the critical periods for the determination of these traits.

Neurologists Preferences on Basic and Advanced Cardiac Imaging Utilization in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

INTRODUCTION: It is unknown how cardiac imaging studies are used by neurologists to investigate cardioembolic sources in ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: Between August 12, 2023, and December 8, 2023, we conducted an international survey among neurologists from Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, to investigate the frequency of utilization of cardiac imaging studies for the detection of cardioembolic sources of ischemic stroke. Questions were structured into deciles of percentage utilization of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), ECG-gated cardiac computed tomography (G-CCT), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). We estimated the weighted proportion (x¯) of utilization of each cardiac imaging modality, both globally and by continent. We also investigated the use of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) as an emerging approach to the screening of cardioembolic sources. RESULTS: A total of 402 neurologists from 64 countries completed the survey. Globally, TTE was the most frequently used cardiac imaging technology (x¯ = 71.2%), followed by TEE (x¯ = 15.8%), G-CCT (x¯ = 10.9%), and CMRI (x¯ = 7.7%). Findings were consistent across all continents. A total of 288 respondents routinely used a CTA in the acute ischemic stroke phase (71.6%), but the CTA included a non-gated CCT in only 15 cases (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This survey suggests that basic cardiac imaging is not done in all ischemic stroke patients evaluated in 4 continents. We also found a substantially low utilization of advanced cardiac imaging studies. Easier to adopt screening methods for cardioembolic sources of embolism are needed.

Spatial distribution of pesticide use based on crop rotation data in La Plata River basin: a case study from an agricultural region of Uruguay.

The intensive global use of pesticides presents an escalating threat to human health, ecosystems, and water quality. To develop national and local environmental management strategies for mitigating pollution caused by pesticides, it is essential to understand the quantities, timing, and location of their application. This study aims to estimate the spatial distribution of pesticide use in an agricultural region of La Plata River basin in Uruguay. Estimates of pesticide use were made by surveying doses applied to each crop. This information was spatialized through identifying agricultural rotations using remote sensing techniques. The study identified the 60 major agricultural rotations in the region and mapped the use and application amount of the nine most significant active ingredients (glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, clethodim, flumetsulam, triflumuron, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil). The results reveal that glyphosate is the most extensively used pesticide (53.5% of the area) and highest amount of use (> 1.44 kg/ha). Moreover, in 19% of the area, at least seven active ingredients are applied in crop rotations. This study marks the initial step in identifying rotations and estimating pesticide applications with high spatial resolution at a regional scale in agricultural regions of La Plata River basin. The results improve the understanding of pesticide spatial distribution based on data obtained from agronomists, technicians, and producers and provide a replicable methodological approach for other geographic and productive contexts. Generating baseline information is key to environmental management and decision making, towards the design of more robust monitoring systems and human exposure assessment.

Multimodal management of giant solid hemangioblastomas in two patients with preoperative embolization.

Background: Hemangioblastomas are benign vascular neoplasms, World Health Organization grade I, with the most frequent location in the cerebellum. Complete microsurgical resection can be a challenge due to excessive bleeding, which is why preoperative embolization takes importance. Case Description: Two clinical cases are presented, a 25-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man, who presented with intracranial hypertension symptoms due to obstructive hydrocephalus; a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed in both cases; in addition, they presented with cerebellar signs. Both underwent embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, with blood flow reduction. After that, they underwent microsurgical resection within the 1st-week post embolization, obtaining, in both cases, gross total resection without hemodynamic complications, with clinical improvement and good surgical outcome. It is worth mentioning that surgical management is the gold standard that allows a suitable surgical approach, like in our patients, for which a lateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed. Conclusion: Solid hemangioblastomas are less frequent than their cystic counterparts. The treatment is the surgical resection, which is a challenge and always has to be considered as an arteriovenous malformation in the surgical planning, including preoperative embolization to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality and get good outcomes.

Oxidative potential of particulate matter and its association to respiratory health endpoints in high-altitude cities in Bolivia.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant health risk, driving the search for innovative metrics that more accurately reflect the potential harm to human health. Among these, oxidative potential (OP) has emerged as a promising health-based metric, yet its application and relevance across different environments remain to be further explored. This study, set in two high-altitude Bolivian cities, aims to identify the most significant sources of PM-induced oxidation in the lungs and assess the utility of OP in assessing PM health impacts. Utilizing two distinct assays, OPDTT and OPDCFH, we measured the OP of PM samples, while also examining the associations between PM mass, OP, and black carbon (BC) concentrations with hospital visits for acute respiratory infections (ARI) and pneumonia over a range of exposure lags (0-2 weeks) using a Poisson regression model adjusted for meteorological conditions. The analysis also leveraged Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to link these health outcomes to specific PM sources, building on a prior source apportionment study utilizing the same dataset. Our findings highlight anthropogenic combustion, particularly from traffic and biomass burning, as the primary contributors to OP in these urban sites. Significant correlations were observed between both OPDTT and PM2.5 concentration exposure and ARI hospital visits, alongside a notable association with pneumonia cases and OPDTT levels. Furthermore, PMF analysis demonstrated a clear link between traffic-related pollution and increased hospital admissions for respiratory issues, affirming the health impact of these sources. These results underscore the potential of OPDTT as a valuable metric for assessing the health risks associated with acute PM exposure, showcasing its broader application in environmental health studies.

Plasmodium falciparum alters the trophoblastic barrier and stroma villi organization of human placental villi explants.

BACKGROUND: The sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in the placenta, and the resulting inflammatory response affects maternal and child health. Despite existing information, little is known about the direct impact of P. falciparum on the placental barrier formed by trophoblast and villous stroma. This study aimed to assess placental tissue damage caused by P. falciparum in human placental explants (HPEs). METHODS: HPEs from chorionic villi obtained of human term placentas (n = 9) from normal pregnancies were exposed to P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) for 24 h. HPEs were embedded in paraffin blocks and used to study tissue damage through histopathological and histochemical analysis and apoptosis using TUNEL staining. Culture supernatants were collected to measure cytokine and angiogenic factors and to determine LDH activity as a marker of cytotoxicity. A subset of archived human term placenta paraffin-embedded blocks from pregnant women with malaria were used to confirm ex vivo findings. RESULTS: Plasmodium falciparum-IE significantly damages the trophoblast layer and the villous stroma of the chorionic villi. The increased LDH activity and pathological findings such as syncytial knots, fibrin deposits, infarction, trophoblast detachment, and collagen disorganization supported these findings. The specific damage to the trophoblast and the thickening of the subjacent basal lamina were more pronounced in the ex vivo infection. In contrast, apoptosis was higher in the in vivo infection. This disparity could be attributed to the duration of exposure to the infection, which significantly varied between individuals naturally exposed over time and the 24-h exposure in the ex vivo HPE model. CONCLUSION: Exposure to P. falciparum-IE induces a detachment of the syncytiotrophoblast, disorganization of the stroma villi, and an increase in apoptosis, alterations that may be associated with adverse results such as intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight.

Regular source of primary care and health services utilisation among Brazilian elderly with mental-physical multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: In ageing populations, multimorbidity is a complex challenge to health systems, especially when the individuals have both mental and physical morbidities. Although a regular source of primary care (RSPC) is associated with better health outcomes, its relation with health service utilisation in elderly patients with mental-physical multimorbidity (MP-MM) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relations among health service utilisation, presence of RSPC and MP-MM among elderly Brazilians. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study performed with data from national representative samples from the Brazilian National Health Research (PNS, in Portuguese; Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) carried out in 2013 with 11,177 elderly Brazilian people. MP-MM was defined as the presence of two or more morbidities, including at least one mental morbidity, and was evaluated using a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities. The RSPC was analysed by the presence of regular font of care in primary care and health service utilisation according to the demand for health services ≤ 15 days, medical consultation ≤ 12 months, and hospitalisation ≤ 1 year. Frequency description of variables and bivariate association were performed using Stata v.15.2 software. RESULTS: The majority of individuals was female (56.4%), and their mean age was 69.8 years. The observed prevalence of MP-MM was 12.2%. Individuals with MP-MM had higher utilisation of health services when compared to those without MP-MM. RSPC was present at 36.5% and was higher in women (37.8% vs. 34.9%). There was a lower occurrence of hospitalisation ≤ 1 year among MP-MM individuals with RSPC and without a private plan of health. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that RSPC can be an important component of care in elderly individuals with MP-MM because it was associated with lower occurrence of hospitalisation, mainly in those that have not a private plan of health. Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Calidad de vida y características clínicas de pacientes con trasplante renal con y sin rinosinusitis crónica / Quality of life and clinical characteristics of renal transplant patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis

RESUMEN Introducción: El trasplante es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Requiere inmunosupresión, que predispone al desarrollo de complicaciones; la rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) es una de las más importantes. Objetivo: Comparar las características de pacientes con ERC con y sin RSC en protocolo de trasplante en un hospital de concentración en Puebla, en México. Métodos: Estudio comparativo, transversal, retrospectivo, en pacientes de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención, con ERC y en protocolo de trasplante renal. Se aplicaron las escalas SNOT-22 y Lund-Mackay. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y pruebas U de Mann-Whitney, exacta de Fisher y coeficiente de Phi; p<0.05, por lo que se consideró significativa. Resultados: Se reclutaron 360 pacientes: 49 presentaron RSC; prevalencia, 13.61 %; medias edad, 39.22 ±12.09 años y tiempo de evolución, 17.73 ±5.91 semanas. Presentaron poliposis nasosinusal 14.3 %; obstrucción nasal, 95.9 %; algia facial, 67.3%; rinorrea, 49 % e hiposmia/anosmia, 40.8 %. Factores de riesgo asociados: alergia a ácido acetilsalicílico (p=0.014) y atopia (p=0.000). Variantes anatómicas en pacientes con y sin RSC, respectivamente: Celdilla Agger-Nasi 95 % y 15.4 %; desviación septal, 50 % y 6.4 %; hipertrofia de cornetes, 50 % y 1.3 %; concha bullosa, 30 % y 4.2 % y cornete paradójico, 10 % y 1.6 %. La afectación de calidad de vida predominante en pacientes con y sin RSC fue moderada con un 53.1 % y leve, 97.1 % (p=0.000). Conclusión: La prevalencia de RSC fue 13.61 %; los factores de riesgo asociados, alergia al ácido acetilsalicílico y atopia y la variante anatómica predominante, Agger-nasal. La severidad tomográfica fue leve y la afectación de la calidad de vida, moderada.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It requires immunosuppression, which predisposes to the development of complications; chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most significant. Objetive: To compare the characteristics of patients with CKD and without CRS in a renal transplant protocol at a specialized hospital in Puebla, Mexico. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional, retrospective study in patients with CKD and in renal transplant protocol at a third-level care hospital. The SNOT-22 and Lund-Mackay scales were applied. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher's exact test, and Phi coefficient were used; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 360 patients were recruited: 49 presented with CRS; prevalence: 13.61%; mean age: 39.22 ± 12.09 years and duration of progression: 17.73 ± 5.91 weeks. Naso-sinusal polyposis was present in 14.3%; nasal obstruction in 95.9%; facial pain in 67.3%; rhinorrhea in 49% and hyposmia/anosmia in 40.8%. Associated risk factors: allergy to acetylsalicylic acid (p=0.014) and atopy (p=0.000). Anatomical variants in patients with and without CRS, respectively: Agger nasi cell 95% and 15.4%; septal deviation, 50% and 6.4%; turbinate hypertrophy, 50% and 1.3%; concha bullosa, 30% and 4.2%; and paradoxical turbinate, 10% and 1.6%. The predominant quality of life impact in patients with and without CRS was moderate at 53.1% and mild at 97.1% (p=0.000). Conclusion: The prevalence of CRS was 13.61%; the associated risk factors were allergy to acetylsalicylic acid and atopy, and the predominant anatomical variant was Agger nasi. The tomographic severity was mild, and the impact on quality of life was moderate.

Frecuencia y factores asociados a problemas de salud mental en trabajadores vacunados contra el Covid-19 de un hospital público peruano / Frequency and associated factors of mental health problems in Covid-19 vaccinated workers at a peruvian public hospital

RESUMEN Introducción: La pandemia aumentó el estrés y los problemas de salud mental subdiagnosticados en el trabajo. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de problemas de salud mental y sus factores asociados en trabajadores vacunados del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo (HNDM). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal-analítico utilizando datos secundarios de una encuesta de salud mental llevada a cabo por el Servicio de Salud Mental del HNDM en octubre de 2021. Se administró el Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) a todos los trabajadores del HNDM que habían recibido el esquema completo de vacunación. El análisis estadístico incluyó pruebas de chi-cuadrado y regresión logística para identificar factores asociados. Resultados: De 2109, el 2,7% de los trabajadores presentaron problemas de salud mental. 3,4% en mujeres y 1,5% en hombres y fue más frecuente en los grupos de edad de 18-29 años (4,8%) y 50-59 años (4%); así como en las personas divorciadas/separadas (7%) que las solteras (2,8%) o casadas (2%). El análisis multivariado indicó asociación positiva con mujeres (ORa: 2,30; IC 95%: 1,22-4,84) y personas divorciadas/separadas (ORa: 3,00; IC 95%: 1,12-7,25) frente a casados/convivientes. Hubo una asociación negativa en los grupos de 30-39 años (ORa: 0.43, IC 95%: 0.19-0.96) y 40-49 años (ORa: 0.30, IC 95%: 0.11-0.81) frente a 18-29 años. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas para otras variables. Conclusión: Uno de cada cuarenta trabajadores del HNDM presentó problemas de salud mental, con mayores riesgos observados entre mujeres, grupos etarios más jóvenes y mayores, y personas divorciadas/separadas. Se recomienda mejorar tamizaje y apoyo para intervención temprana.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The pandemic increased stress and underdiagnosed mental health issues in the workplace. Objetive: To determine the frequency of mental health problems and their associated factors among vaccinated workers at the Dos de Mayo National Hospital (HNDM). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using secondary data from a mental health survey carried out by the HNDM Mental Health Service in October 2021. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was administered to all HNDM workers who had received the full vaccination scheme. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify associated factors. Results: Of 2109 workers, 2.7% presented mental health problems, with a higher prevalence in women (3.4%) compared to men (1.5%), and more frequent in the age groups 18-29 years (4.8%) and 50-59 years (4%). Divorced/separated individuals (7%) had a higher prevalence compared to single (2.8%) or married (2%) individuals. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association with women (ORa: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.22-4.84) and divorced/separated individuals (ORa: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.12-7.25) compared to married/cohabiting individuals. There was a negative association in the 30-39 years (ORa: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.96) and 40-49 years (ORa: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11-0.81) age groups compared to 18-29 years. No significant associations were found for other variables. Conclusion: One in forty HNDM workers presented mental health problems, with higher risks observed among women, younger and older age groups, and divorced/separated individuals. Improved screening and support for early intervention are recommended.